Ok I'm back and I'm dreadfully sorry about the long wait. I could make up excuses all day and all night but there really is no excuse for keeping everyone waiting for...umm let me see...November 30th...gosh it's been a year! Ok, ok I stalled enough I know so here's the story...or at least the review responses! I'll make them longer for the wait! Review Responses
Hieis gurl Botan- Wow thanks for supporting my ficcie! Even you pen-name supports it lol. Actually I have read your sisters story, it's really very good. I'm not sure if I reviewed or not (I tend to forget half the time) but please tell her for me that I loved all the scenes with Botan and Hiei! I love them so much! If you ever make a fanfic of Botan and Hiei then review me or email me, or even im me and I'll read it! Thanks again for reviewing!
H/B Always- Thank you! Wow, really four times? I remember doing that for authors and authoress' that wouldn't update and I loved their fics. Come to think of it, it got me really mad that they wouldn't update. And this coming from me who hasn't updated in a year! I'm really very sorry I took so long. I never imagined truth or dare would take so long to write...and I lost the beginning of this chapter somewhere and couldn't find it. Oh well, it really wasn't much anyway. No, no I don't think you're being rude at all, just truthful. So here's your fic. I started this on Tuesday by the way; we'll see how long it takes me to post.
botan- Hehehehehe, thank you for the review! I'm going as fast as I can! Sorry it took me about a year!
mimuru- lol! You were joking right? I hardly doubt that I could write that kind of scene properly since I, myself am only 13 years old. Plus I'd have to bump this up to R rated and I really don't think I should do that...I'm too young. But thank you for the review and the idea. There are some other people on ff.net who wrote lemons that you might like. Sorry if you were joking I really couldn't tell!
Lina- Thank you for your kind words. All of you wonderful people make me feel really special that you take the time to write your responses to my story! That's what gives me the push I need to keep writing. Thankies!
Lashka the White Rose- Sorry it took me a year! I'm glad to see you review again! I consider you one of my main reviewers and I love that they don't forget my ficcie! It makes me feel so loved! gives tissue Awww, don't cry! Actually there are many more Hiei and Botan fics(I don't know what other couples you like) now than there were when I started this fic. That's actually why I started writing this fic. Read the recommendations at the end of the fic for some suggestions.
Hieiandbotan4ever- Thank you for your ideas! They really were helpful! I'm not sure if I'm going to make Botan and Kurama kiss but the more I think about it the more I like it! I love the idea of 2 people spending the night in the same room but I'm not sure now who it should be or if I should have them all together in one room or not. I think I will...lol. Thanks and thanks because you reviewed twice therefore you should be recognized twice! Thank you for the suggestions! Hope you enjoy!
Fanficadict- Thankies! You suggestions were really helpful! I love the idea with Yusuke(that's how you spell it, lol) and Keiko. Even the idea with Yusuke losing a fight to Kuwabara on purpose was ingenious! I don't think I will do Hiei being peppy though, sorry. I just don't think I could write Hiei like that very well. I'm laughing at the idea of Hiei peppy right now! Nah don't worry about the misspellings and extra exclamation marks, sometimes (a lot of the time) I want to write the same way but I'm afraid I'd chase away some of my reviews and get a serious headache re-reading it all and making corrections. Thankies and enjoy!
Bloody Love- Thank you for reviewing again. You are one of my most constant reviewers and that means a lot to me. I know I sound reeeeaaaaly corny right now but you'll have to forgive me. I didn't go to sleep on the 4th of July and my eyes are killing me and I'm blabbing aren't I? Sorry about that I tend to get carried away. Truth or dare is very hard to write or so I'm finding so I'm not surprised that you can't think of anything. Don't worry though, I've got some things planned. Oh and sorry for the very LONG wait. And look down below, I didn't see it but you reviewed twice so I think the last one or next to last one you have another message!
Sierra- I'm sorry but I can't write spin the bottle. Writing just truth or dare was very hard to write or so I'm finding. If I wrote spin the bottle I'm afraid it would take me even longer and it's already been almost a year. You needn't worry soon the fic will have more romance and action involved. Just be patient with me a little longer. And I'm sorry I couldn't write spin the bottle! Enjoy!
diety of death- Hello again! Thank you for being a kind person and reviewing my ficcie again! And for reviewing twice might I add! Awwww your really nice saying such sweet things about my fic. Woah, I think you read my mind...sorta. You'll see someone wearing something skimpy (or revealing anyway) but it's not Botan! (Or any of the girls for that matter) Wow I just read you're bio...we have much in common. So much it's also scary. But before I forget of course I'll email you when I'm done! If you wanted to you could just put me on your author alert list and ff.net will take care of that but I'm perfectly willing to do it myself. Kingdom Hearts is the first game I have played for the ps2, it's the reason I got one actually, I'm in advanced classes though same as you. I'm not smart but they really get to you. They're so freakin hard and if they're anything like mine then they keep reminding you how you are in an advanced class you you're work should be better than everyone else's and keep nagging that you are not working hard enough -.-. Thank goodness 7th grade is over is all I can say! Oooh I love Malfoy, though my mom thinks he's a jerk and the 3rd movie did a very good job of making him look like a wimp...Wow I am really dragging this out. Heh heh sorry! I'll leave you alone now and thanks for reviewing as always!
Kaimi Kitsune- Ah you have returned! Thankies for reviewing! I know I do write lots of cliffys don't I? I didn't think this was the worst one but...shrugs Awww you got grounded? I'll beat them up for yah there's no reason to lock a kid up in a room in my opionion. Heavens forbid take away the use of the computer or TV! I think I'd die! I don't think anyone whose watch two episodes of Inuyasha could hate it so of course I love them myself! Do you ever watch adult swim? It's coming on in a few hours I can't wait. Then I can take a break...good rest...I'm tired can you tell? Oof anyway yes you have a long review. I do have some longer ones but I find this one ideal because its written well, the spellings are correct and the grammar is the same. Trust me you don't see many of these, not that I mind the ummm ungrammatical reviews it's just nice to see a change . Thankies!
Sara- Shards of EvenSong is just simply too long even though I've just written it...I know I don't make sense lol! Yeah the last chapter, (I just reread it cuz I forgot the whole thing practically!) did have many spelling errors because ff.net didn't put in the ... and it would show up as a period. But it fixed the problem but I'm too lazy to fix it not to mention I'm going crazy trying to finish this! AHHHHHHHHHHHH! Ok that felt good! Do it with me now, AHHHHHHHHHHH! Ok do I need some sugar...if that came out as a period it was supposed to be a ......lol! Paid in quarters hahahhahahahaha! Yeah I've done that and none of the ladies have ever been smiling as the counted up 50 quarters from my pocket...and I think I'm actually gonna send this to you so you can edit it...just skip over the responses to reviews part. Except for yours of course! Lol ok I have to do the others now! falls asleep
PreventerNoin- Wow you changed your name! At first I didn't know who you were! Oh I feel so bad for you! The flu is bad enough but broken tendons too? What happened to you girl? Did you fall off a cliff or something? jk Hey did you get a new im because I never see you online! I know there's a time difference but you are on sometimes aren't you? cries I never get to see you and now I can't talk to you either...but on the bright side I'm glad you liked my fic! Or chapter anyway! Blushes Thank you for the string of compliments though I must say I doubt I am worthy of them. I do love the bloopers although sometimes it's hard to think of something funny off the top of my head. You really are so nice and a great friend, nice doesn't do it justice, extraordinary friend more like it. It's a shame we can't meet in person. Oh and someone will ask Botan where's she's been all this time and Hiei will defend her but not in a dare...heehee but you'll see!
Zennou-sakusha- Nifty name. I simply love your fic LMHMJDLMF! I think I'm going to recommend it if I haven't already. I don't think I can do your singing request(sorry I just don't think I would be able to write that scene very well and I can't see how to put that in) though I do have ideas for the dreams/fantasies one thank you very much, it was helpful! Sad to say I'm getting most of these ideas from wonderful people in reviews because I can't think of anything. Ugh I'm not talented enough for this...but thank you for supporting me!
MystiK- You don't mind that I shortened your name do you? I didn't think you would but you can hit me after your done reading if you like lol. Yeah I did 70 words but like in this one I'm not done the responses and I've got 1,830 words already. And my arms feel like their going to fall off. My fingers are not in shape lol. Does it feel like a years since I've updated? It's almost been a year! Which is sad verys sad, I almost feel out of my chair when I read how long it took me to update! But thanks for being a good friend and reviewing for me! smiles You get a cookie!
Bloody Love- Wow you reviewed twice for me! Thank you! And actually everyone should thank you for the tip on the running around naked. You actually inspired the name to this chapter! Lol I really was trying to get more serious in this fic but I couldn't resist! Thank you so much! Heehee I hope you see this you might pass over it because you saw your name already up above. Guess I should leave you a note...
Hieiandbotan4ever- Thank you for reviewing again! Oww my fingers hurt!
The Will of the Fighter (finally)
Chapter 11
Mission in Boxers
Dedication- I think I'd like to dedicate this to everyone who gave me a suggestion for Truth or dare. That was extremely hard to write and all of you people pulled me out of it. This is for you! Last Time: Hiei's Pov
We formed a circle that went like this: Me, Botan, Shiz, Kurama, Keiko, Yusuke, Kuwabara, Yukina. The rules were, you get one question, one dare. You had to do it or you would get a punishment, which would be decided by the person who asked/dared the person.
" I'll go first! Uh, Shizuru!" Yusuke said, breaking the silence.
" Dare," Shiz said, answering the inevitable question.
" How about..." Hiei
"Ok," Yusuke said, clapping his hands together with an idea forming in his devious mind, "Your dare is that you have to wear all pink, and a miniskirt until tomorrow."
I inwardly shivered. Pink is a horrible color that is far too perky, bright, happy, and fake in my opinion. Shizuru had a nerve sprouting from her head, fists clenching and glaring fireballs at Yusuke. Yusuke, for his part, seemed to be realizing why the dolt was so afraid of her temper. I've seen it a few times and it's not the most pleasant thing in the world.
"Yusuke, do you have a pink miniskirt I could wear?" Shiz gritted out from her teeth but overall doing a marvelous job of holding her temper. If it was me, something would have been broken in some way or another and Yusuke would be hanging upside down from a tree while I practiced my darkness techniques. That's going easy in my opinion. How I detest that color.
"Nope I don't but Keiko does," Yusuke said cheerily.
"Man, how could you do that to my sister, she hates pink. Way to go!" Kuwabara said, pleased that his best friend forced his older sister to wear pink without getting so much as a beating for it.
"How do you know I have a skirt in my bag Yusuke?" Keiko asked curiously, her eyes narrowing in suspicion.
Yusuke froze for a second.
"You weren't spying on her were you?" Botan asked dangerously. Her eyes hardened as she glared at him.
"N-no! I picked Keiko up in my car but I came early and I saw her pack it! Honest!" Yusuke defended himself at their disbelieving looks.
"That had better be it you pervert," Keiko spat.
Yusuke just nodded and headed to Keiko's bag and started to dig through it. Keiko, Shiz, and Botan still had their eyes trained on his back; mostly Shiz, since she was still mad at him, and Keiko, because she was still suspicious of his excuse but she had no proof to accuse him otherwise.
Yusuke dug through her bag, looking for her skirt and pulled his hands out with a pink...bra. His face turned red, as he just seemed to notice what item of clothing he had thought was the skirt.
"YUSUKE!" Keiko shrieked furiously, her face red from embarrassment and anger.
I heard gasps come out of the others and time seemed to stop for a moment. Until Keiko jumped up and started chasing Yusuke. The detective didn't even notice that he still had the bra in his hands and he ran away from the very angry girl.
Kuwabara was laughing, Yukina and Kurama still looked shocked, while Botan and Shiz scowled at the racing boy with sympathy for Keiko. My face held it's usual indifferent look.
They had circled us three times already when Botan's foot shot out tripping Yusuke and she jumped on his back pounding with her fists. Keiko, finally able to catch him tackled him. If it wasn't bad enough, Shiz came from behind and pinned him. All were shouting while Yusuke struggled to get free.
I didn't see what was so important. It was just a bra, it's not like the male population doesn't know that they wear them even thought they're not visible under girls' shirts. I shook my head in wonder. It must be a girl thing.
"C-come on! It was a mistake! I didn't mean to!" Yusuke shouted futilely to deaf ears.
"Yusuke you disgusting pervert!" Botan yelled, still pounding on his back.
"Grow up for once! If my brother acted like that all the time he would be in the hospital half of the week!" Shiz shouted, momentarily forgetting that she would had to wear pink for the day.
"Just when I thought you were past all this!" Keiko exploded, sending him a withering glare, grabbing her bra. She slapped him once more before storming back to her bag.
Botan got off after sighing at the couple. Shizuru only got off after a tug from Botan, then kicked him again in the back.
"That was for the skirt," She said and came back to the circle.
"It's about time someone hit him for being his perverted self. They really got him good this time!" The oaf grinned.
"He's not the only one who could be attacked for being a pervert," I replied snidely.
"Well I can't say it's out of character for him, more like his regular behavior," Kurama sighed.
"I hope he's not hurt too bad," Yukina wondered aloud.
My sister was far too kind. I took a glance at Dumber who slowly got off the floor. His back would ache for a while estimating by the amount time he remained on the floor wincing. It was his fault though and I wasn't about to pity him for his stupidity.
"Damn Botan! Where did you learn to punch like that?" Yusuke asked, rubbing his sore back.
Botan stiffened, as I did. I gave Kurama and Shizuru glances.
"Umm, I've always been that strong. You just haven't been training lately and that's why it hurts so much!" Botan attempted to explain.
"Besides with a job like hers and morons like you she has to be able to defend herself," I defended. Though Keiko got the brunt of his attention, he always had a little extra energy to admire other girls every once in awhile.
"Here Shizuru," Keiko muttered sadly as she handed Shiz the skirt and a pink off-the-shoulder shirt.
Shiz only sighed, already worn out and entered the bathroom. She wandered out stiffly and stomped back to the group.
"I feel like a cheerleader," Shizuru spat out.
It was a detestable outfit to be sure. All the pink was making me woozy. The skirt barely covered anything below mid-thigh and had ruffles near the bottom. I noticed Kurama looking appreciatively but not saying anything, then he noticed my gaze. I smirked at him slyly and he blushed and looking down. Sly fox.
Shizuru huffily sat down between Botan and Kurama (which might not turn out to be a good idea) and the game continued.
"Keiko, truth or dare?" Shizuru drawled.
"Umm, I think I'll go with truth." Keiko obviously didn't want a repeat of what Shizuru had to go through, incase Shiz was feeling particularly vengeful.
"Ok sweetheart," Shizuru smiled, "What's the farthest you've gone with a boy?"
The room became silent. Keiko's ears reddened.
"Oh thanks Shizuru, put the pressure on me," Keiko glared once everyone's attention focused on her.
"You think after what I went through you went get off easy?" Shizuru questioned.
"Truth was supposed to be the safe route," Keiko chanted softly to herself.
"Well Keiko, aren't you going to answer your friend?" Yusuke demanded.
"Shut up jerk! Why should you care anyway?" Keiko huffed.
"Just answer the question! You've got to or you'll get a penalty!" Yusuke insisted. Stubbornness seemed to be the detective's strong point.
"I'm getting to it!" Keiko snapped, "If you can be patient like everyone else! You don't see them making a racket over nothing!"
She made a point looking at each one of us, seeing our curious glances but going no further and stayed quiet, then glared at Yusuke.
Yusuke looked like he was going to retort something back but silenced himself with one glance at her enraged face. He'd been beaten up once today and didn't want a repeat. For once he was being smart.
Keiko smiled at the rest of the group, silently thanking us for ignoring the small spat that occurred, not like we didn't expect it anyway.
"Well, the farthest, in all honesty is kissing," Keiko said finally.
"Really? With all the thugs in our school, I would have thought for sure they would have made some kind of move. Or at least steal your homework," Doof-brain announced.
"Stealing some girls homework is hardly a move. Though no one's probably even done that to you considering you are outsmarted by a five year old," I retorted.
"Shrimp shut your mouth before I do it for you!" Was the idiot's come- back. A five year old could out diss the fool too.
"Oh I'm scared now. What are you going to do use your puny spirit sword and attack me?"
"I'll show you puny!" Kuwabaka (baka means idiot) screamed, gathering spirit energy.
He lashed out at me clumsily and I 'disappeared' right before it connected. He fell over the chair I had been sitting on moments before and cursed.
The fool got up quickly and charged me again. I put my hands behind my back and dodged each one lazily. Honestly, get some skill. This is why I hate humans, they're all talk and their fighting tactics could put you to sleep.
I moved gracefully enough just to let the blade miss me. I smirked mockingly as he continued to get angrier with each slash he missed. I could now see why the brat prince had forced Kurama and me to join Yusuke. And he claims to be the worst thug there is. What has he been fighting ladybugs? (I'm really sorry I've been hard on Kuwabara and Yusuke today but it's just Hiei's personality and it's so funny!)
"Ok you two can stop it now," Botan said sternly.
"Brother cool your jets!" Shiz shouted warningly.
"Kuwabara, Hiei's too fast! Argh, can't you see you're not going to hit him so just give up already!"
"Kazuma, I think that's enough!" Yukina voiced anxiously. My head turned at her voice and butt-brain figured this was his golden opportunity. He raised his spirit sword high above his head and lashed down strongly aiming for my shoulder.
I could've yawned at his expense and sidestepped the swipe, my head still facing Yukina. He must really be mad, not even my sister could talk him out of fighting. Usually he tried to be her 'knight' in shining armor and always listen to her every thought she would share with him. Now he couldn't have cared if she was selling girl-scout cookies. (O.O in this fic someone told him what they were)
"Why. Won't. You. Go. Down!" Kuwabara hissed with every slash.
"That's enough!" Botan pounced on the oaf from behind. The fool had obviously lost his mind. He seemed not to recognize Botan as his friend in that instant because he grabbed her arm and literally tore her off his back, and threw her from in.
From the corner of my eye I saw Yukina cover her mouth with both her hands, Yusuke open his mouth and gape, Kurama's eyes darkened and his lips formed a straight line, which is NOT a good sign, Shizuru's fist clenched, and Keiko's eyes stared at Botan in horror. Botan herself was sprawled out in the air, confusion clearly in her eyes laced with panic, mixed with a dash of amazement that Kuwabara had the nerve to throw her like that.
She wasn't high enough to do a flip to land safely. She wasn't high enough to have enough time to think of a good way to land to inflict the least amount of pain. Actually she was positioned sideways in the air just at Kuwabara's waist. Kuwabara gasped as well, not believing he just threw his long time friend across the room.
I glared at him venomously before dashing across the room, securing my hands around Botan's waist and caught her fall.
"Ooof! That was fun," Botan commented sarcastically, then realizing how close she was in my arms blushed slightly, "Thank you Hiei."
I grunted and set her down. I turned my back to her and glared at Kuwabara that had the power to melt ice, literally. Did he realize he could have broken her neck with a stunt like that? Apparently he had, because the anger had vanished from his eyes and he looked sorrowfully at Botan, an apology forming on his lips.
I stalked up to him meaningfully and grabbed his collar and hauled him off the ground. His face was white with fear, I must have had a look that could scare Satan, but I didn't care at the moment. I could also see his face etched with confusion, he probably couldn't understand why I was being so protective of Botan but as I said before I was too infuriated to care about anything but to give him the pounding of his life.
"If you ever do a repeat of your actions today, I swear I will slit your throat after burning your corpse for a day and playing with my dragon," I seethed in a steely voice.
A hand grabbed my arm and pulled me back.
"It's ok. I'm fine, really," Botan whispered softly. Her voice calmed me and I found myself complying with her request.
Grunting I lowered the fool to the ground.
"Be glad Botan is more merciful than I." With that I summed up my most deadly glare and stormed off to Kurama, who looked tranquil to all but I knew him well enough to know that he was just as deeply bothered as I.
"Don't worry I'll take care of it," Shizuru whispered to me. Good though I won't be able to beat the shit out of him someone will. Later, when no one's around to save him.
"B-Botan I-I'm really sorry. I didn't m-mean to toss you across the room. I didn't realize what I was doing, my anger was so intense it was only after I threw you did I-"Kuwabara pleaded.
"It's ok Kuwabara. I know you didn't mean it, and I probably shouldn't have snuck up behind you like that. I should have predicted your reaction, so it's not fully your fault," Botan said.
"Aw thanks Botan. Now I remembered why I liked you so much when we first met, you are kind, and gentle, and forgiving, I know why don't I make it up to you by taking you on a date?" Kuwabara asked, grinning like the idiot he was.
Everyone in the room held their breath in shock.
"Not happening," Botan rejected him, though still smiling like she won a million dollars.
How much of a jerk can you be? First he hurls Botan across the room then asks her out. Does that make any sense? Well I suppose idiots don't make sense at all. It's like their job, only they're stupid enough to do it and not get paid. I was getting a headache.
"Ok lets get this going again...umm Keiko it is your turn," Botan started, trying to forget the recent events.
"Sure. Kuwabara, truth or dare?" Keiko asked.
"Truth."
"Chicken," I mocked only to be hit by Botan. I glared at her.
"Do you really want to get him started again," Botan whispered, "If he asks me out again, then it's your fault I'm going out with him!"
"What do you mean my fault?" I asked irritably.
"You got him mad by some comment again. You always do then I wind up thrown across the room to stop the fight YOU started," Botan hissed though her voice was still lowered.
"Might I remind you I'm the one that saved you from your crash landing?" I snapped.
"Guys! Did you hear anything I just said?" Keiko asked.
"Uh sorry Keiko, Hiei and I were just having a discussion is all," Botan covered truthfully.
Keiko raised an eyebrow but stayed quiet.
".........Anyway I asked Kuwabara if he ever had any dreams about the same sex."
"Did he answer yet?" I asked boredly.
"I was just getting to it," Kuwabara shouted, "Uh, well there was this one dream I had where Urameshi was helping me study for a test..." Kuwabara trailed off as everyone burst out laughing.
"Kazuma do you how ridiculous that sounds? Yusuke can't even study himself much less help you!" Shizuru exclaimed trying to smother her giggles, but failing miserably.
"Hey, it was just a dream, it's not my fault it doesn't make sense," Kuwabara spoke.
"We should continue. Kuwabara I believe it's your turn," Kurama commented.
Kuwabara nodded.
"Oh yeah. Urameshi!" Kuwabara exclaimed.
"Yeah, yeah, you know I always pick dare," Yusuke stated lazily.
"Great! Urameshi we are going to have a fight right now!"
"Good I've been wanting a fight," Yusuke announced, cracking his knuckles.
Keiko looked ready to protest, the mortal knew the results of the match and it always ended up with Kuwabara beaten to a pulp.
"Except this time you have to lose to me! So this time I'll be the winner!" Kuwabara cheered happily.
"WHAT?! B-but that's like cheating!" Yusuke stuttered.
"Come on Urameshi! You have a fight to lose!" was Kuwabara's energetic reply.
The fool pulled Yusuke from his sitting position and punched him two times and the detective fell to the floor. Not hurt, obviously it would take a lot more than two punches, especially not from a human to knock him down.
"I'm not getting up so you technically win," Yusuke said sourly, "I just lost to Kuwabara. I'm going to rethink my life."
"Yeah! That makes 204 to 1!" Kuwabara roared in delight, "I beat him, I really beat him!"
"Really, I didn't think you could count that high," I replied, "Besides that's no victory. How can you feel even slight accomplishment when all you have done is degrade yourself even more?"
"Ah, preach all you want," Kuwabara shot back.
"Baby brother," Shizuru nudged, "Don't start."
"Yusuke please continue the game," Yukina asked gently," I don't want another fight to break out between my brother and Kazuma."
"Alrighty, Botan truth or dare?" Yusuke asked. I turned to stare at her. Surely she would have more sense that to ask for a dare. Who knows what the detective could come up with?
"Dare."
Then again, she never did think before she opened her mouth. Unless she's in a dire situation you can throw thinking out the window. Which is exactly what was happening now. Well, it was her problem and she'd deal with it.
Yusuke grinned happy to inflict pain on someone else. I've known the face of revenge since I was six and Yusuke was definitely wearing it now.
' You really shouldn't have done that," I told Botan telepathically.
She jumped, hearing my voice ring in her head unexpectedly, and her eyes met mine.
' Why not?' She asked.
' He's going to take his lost fight with the baka on you now.'
' Why? I didn't do anything!' I winced at her high tone.
' I know that and so does he, but he'll take his revenge anyway he can.'
' Lot of good that does me now!'
' Just giving you the heads up.'
I broke the connection to see Yusuke staring at us pointedly. The devious grin appeared on his face. A bad sign. A very bad sign.
"Botan, I'm making your dare simple," Yusuke began. Botan had listened to my advice and knew well enough to trust me. She glared at him with an unconvinced look.
"All you have to do, is when you go to sleep tonight you have to be in the same room as Hiei! Simple enough huh?" Yusuke explained.
It took a second for it to sink in. Me. Botan. In the same room. Tonight. Why is it always I get pulled in with her problems? It's not as if I do not have enough on my own, but no they just have to add hers too!
"What?!" I hissed.
"Yusuke, I don't know what fantasy you're in but we are not sleeping in the same room! That's absurd!" Botan exclaimed hotly.
"You have to. It's just a dare. You don't have to sleep in the same bed or anything, just in the same room. For the whole night," Yusuke replied simply.
Right then and there I decided I hated the detective.
Botan
Oh no. Oh no, no, no, no, no! I can't sleep in the same room as Hiei! It's just not...right. Calm down, it's not that bad, he's your best friend, what's the worst thing that could happen the angel consoled. (You know in cartoons how an angel and devil pop out on the character's shoulder to represent the good and bad? That's what happening here) Bad things happen when a guy and a girl get in a room together the demon argued. This is Hiei, not just any guy. Nothing will happen the angel assured. Exactly Hiei's a hot fire demon, how could you not want something to happen? The devil grinned innocently.
I did not just think that. I glared daggers at Yusuke. He was the source of all my problems. I need to get him. Bad.
"Kurama truth or dare?" I asked lowly. I glared at him clearly saying pick- dare-or-lose-your-pretty-red-hair-forever. Kurama for once lost his composure and shivered.
"Dare," he said weakly.
I smiled fiendishly. Perfect.
"I dare for you and all the other guys to do you next mission in boxers only," I giggled merrily. I really wanted to get Yusuke bad. After all this time Hiei and I have gotten to be really good friends and he has to put me in another awkward situation!
All the girls giggled at the guys' expressions. I think that's fitting, serves them right. Well Kurama truly didn't do anything, but it was the only way I could get Yusuke back at the same time. Kuwabara threw me across the room, I think that's reason enough but I almost feel sorry for Hiei. He has to go through both dares now. And he was currently giving me his signature death glare.
"Y-You can not do that!" Yusuke exclaimed, trying to think of an excuse not to do the dare.
"You have to. It's just a dare," I taunted.
"I don't think I can beat my younger bro up any more. I'll be too busy on the floor laughing at him to get up!" Shizuru cackled.
"Let's see how you like it when your undergarments are shown Yusuke!" Keiko agreed.
Yukina seemed very out of place at the moment.
"Um I really don't see where Hiei or I did anything wrong," Kurama pleaded giving us his most innocent look.
"No way Kurama! If me and Kuwabara do this, so do you and Hiei!" Yusuke growled.
"Must I be punished for their stupidity? Blame Kurama not me!" Hiei cried.
"Hiei!" Kurama shouted.
"What! I already have to sleep in the same room as the woman!" He pointed at me, "Isn't that punishment enough?"
"You know I might have excused you, Hiei." He looked at me hopefully. "But not after that last comment."
He growled summoning his energy to make a red aura around him that appeared whenever he was in an extremely bad mood.
"Let's just hope Koenma's next mission isn't until next year," Kuwabara whimpered.
As if fate itself was acting mischievous, my communicator rang.
"Botan, I have a mission for Yusuke."
I guess Koenma didn't want to be suspicious in front of Yusuke so he contacted me instead of going directly to him, like the old days. It has been about five months since I have actually gone along with Yusuke on a mission.
With my new career I had my own missions to handle. Yusuke didn't even know that I could muster up anything useful in a fight besides a strong punch that would do little to any demon, a good whack from my oar, or a blow from my metal bat. Hiei only accompanied occasionally on the delicate missions, or when a huge fight that Koenma thought was risky only having three of the team present, which was rare.
I'm pretty sure that Yusuke thought the missions he got were too dangerous for me, and that Koenma doesn't want to risk my life on the battlefield. Neither of us has talked about the matter so I couldn't be certain, though I was confident he suspected something close to the truth.
In all honesty, I missed him. Even when we first met and he pretended not to care about anything, and how he ignored everyone he cared about there was a special friendship that formed between us. A fun, easy-going friendship that had slowly been fading ever since I got switched from Yusuke. He never says anything but I knew he could feel it too.
"Figures the one time I pray for no missions, ten minutes later we get another friggin case. This is for amateurs too! Hell Botan could do this mission!" Yusuke shouted irritably.
I sniffed indignantly. I could too do this mission my mind screamed! It was rather simple. A bunch of low class demons crossed over to the human world and were using the power of flute to control humans. The flute was the only strength the group possessed besides numbers. Destroy the flute, you destroy the group.
Yusuke walked along the forest path clad in only red boxers. Hiei refused to say anything once we embarked on the mission, in simple black boxers, no surprise there; I doubt he thinks any other color actually exists. Kuwabara gave the silent treatment in the beginning, but we all knew it was just a matter of time before he opened his mouth to ridicule or offer his opinion. Now I think he has forgotten his lack of clothing entirely. Kurama is more withdrawn today, keeping to himself along with Hiei and I can't help but think the two are talking telepathically and plotting some twisted revenge. On the bright side at least it was a nice day! Not a cloud in the sky, and the temperature was up at 93 degrees! Ok, so maybe I went a little far in the dare, they'll get over it right? Right?!
Even worse yet, I couldn't actually fight. Well, not fight-fight, I could get my bat out and swing wildly, but that's not very wise. Koenma said there would be at least 50 fighters in their gang, possibly more. While I could undoubtedly take down a few, I would call attention to myself and the numbers of attackers on me would rise. Despite that I have gone through some training and achieved strengthening myself, a bat is hardly capable of taking on a large group of people. Besides, I have not used it much because I find my fists far more effective now anyway.
That was out of the question for me because the whole team was present today, including the half that still didn't know my secret. If I took down more than one demon without either my bat or oar, questions that I can't answer may arise. And that cannot happen. So I will have to play it safe and act helpless on the sidelines.
"Well lookie here. A group of humans have stumbled into our territory," A large 'man' with suspicious blue tinted skin and red eyes. He was wearing human clothes to try to fit the part of a human.
Snickers came from behind him and his gang assembled behind him, easily outnumbering us 6-1. All members consisted of males, with peculiar skin tinted an unnatural color. He smiled showing ragged, sharp teeth staring at the front of our team. Then his gaze went lower and I felt my anger rise and my cheeks flame.
Yukina, Keiko, Shizuru and I made up the front of the group because none of our boys wanted to be there at the moment. They insisted on making it even harder on themselves by dawdling in the back and prolonging the mission. I can understand it's embarrassing to be caught in one article of clothing but good grief, then hurry and get the mission over with so you can dress properly! But, no, they walked deliberately slower than a snail, and forced the rest of us to continue leaving them in the dust. Now they were at least two football fields' distance from us. Perfect!
I turned to look back to see they had stiffened and were now running full speed towards us. Minus one...
"They are so weak they cannot distinguish the demons from the humans," Hiei said disgustedly at my side. When did he get there? Ah he senses were so in tune he probably sensed them once we entered the forest.
"It wouldn't matter even if you were demons, we would still take you down," a demon boasted cockily.
I noticed none of them had looked away yet. I tried my hardest to stay calm, I didn't want Yusuke or Kuwabara to sense my spirit energy.
"Get your filthy eyes off my sister," Hiei growled.
"Oh, thanks for standing up for the rest of us Hiei!" Shiz hissed.
"What if we won't? I personally think it's a nice views what do you fellas think-Ahh!"
Five of the gang members burst into flames, running around wildly trying to put the fire out. Hiei smirked victoriously and I sighed. Boys and violence go hand-in-hand.
"Hey looks like no one taught them the stop drop and roll method. Name's Yusuke and I'm a spirit detective, which puts you in a lot of trouble," Yusuke introduced.
"What's a spirit detective?" A crony asked the leader.
"It's one of Koenma's idiots that think they can beat the demons of Demon world!" the leader replied.
"More like the scum of Demon world," Hiei muttered.
"Is that why they're all in boxers?" another asked. The demon gang finally ripped their eyes off us, and noticed the odd clothes or lack of on our male counterparts.
"Do you think it is some kind of dress code?" an orange-tinted demon piped up.
"Yeah buddy, it's not that hot out!" The group roared in laughter.
Four enormous veins popped out of four heads.
"You think that's funny? Let's see what is so funny when we kick your ass!" Yusuke screamed.
The fight lashed out, Yusuke seemingly had enough and barged right through the center of the pack and started pummeling everyone in his way. The other three just followed suit.
Yukina, Keiko, Shizuru just sat back and watched. It did not bother us in the least as demons were thrown around and what not. I was slightly bothered in the fact that I myself couldn't attack, but I kept on the look for any stray demons just incase.
"Hey have you seen the flute yet?" Yukina asked, "I thought that was the main objective after all."
"Oh yeah, I almost forgot about that. Hold on a sec, Yusuke!" Keiko screamed.
"What?!" Yusuke yelled annoyed at being disturbed during his 'fun'.
"Did you get the whistle yet?!" Keiko shouted back.
"Did anyone get the whistle yet?!" Yusuke shouted to Hiei, Kuwabara, and Kurama.
"Ugh, no not yet! Hey do you know where the whistle is?" Kuwabara asked the demon he was beating up. The demon snarled in return. "I guess that is a no. Not over here Urameshi!"
"I have yet to find it too, Yusuke!" Kurama replied.
"Here's an idea. I'll beat them up you find the whistle!" Hiei yelled.
"Why should you have all the fun?" Yusuke argued.
"Because I'm the oldest!" Hiei insisted.
"Actually Hiei, I'm the oldest," Kurama informed.
"I think I should get to beat them up because I'm the coolest!" Kuwabara exclaimed.
"In your dreams maybe!" Yusuke snapped.
I noticed one of the group slinking away as the guys continued their four-way argument. The demon who was first to talk, the leader. My common sense told me he was the one with the whistle. The coward, taking his prized tool and ditching his friends. Without thinking I rushed after him.
"Hey you! Come back!" I screamed after him.
"Botan don't go off alone! It isn't safe!" Keiko started to run after me but a demon intercepted her. The red skinned demon grinned nastily and raised his claws threateningly, only to be knocked out by Shizuru.
I raced after the escaping demon. Thanks to my training from Hiei, I easily caught up to him. I yelled at him to stop, but he ignored me and kept his pace. Angered, I grabbed a stick from the floor and chucked it at his back. The leader yelped and fell hard to the ground. An object fell out of an inner jacket pocket. Something long, shiny, and metal. I looked warily at the fallen demon, seeing he was knocked out, I bent down and retrieved the flute.
"Give it back! Give it back now!" The demon had awakened with the hysterics. His shirt ripped, as he grew taller, his muscles enlarged, and three horns sprouted from his head. The only recognizable feature that still existed between the demons human form and full demon form was his horrible red eyes.
"Now you puny human! I'll tear you apart myself!" The hysterical demon lunged at my figure, and I gracefully flipped over his shoulder and out of harms way.
Don't attack. Don't attack, I chanted to myself. He's not worth blowing my cover. I summoned my baseball bat and launched him at his head. My swing connected with the side of his head but it did little more than scratch his eye.
"Grrr! I'll show you respect!" the demon howled. The only thing worse than a hysterical demon is a hysterical and mad demon.
Crap! Now what am I going to do? If I could just used my power, I would have him down in two seconds flat...I think his skin is too hard to pierce with just my bare hands.
While I was lost in my thoughts, the demon wasted no time grabbing my neck. He lifted me up with increased power as I struggled to breath. The hand that was not holding the demonic flute automatically grabbed the hand that was trying to suffocate me. The demon took one hand away from my neck and grabbed the flute that I still held with one hand. It started a futile tug-o-war match over the instrument of evil, though I felt myself beginning to black out by the lack of air I was receiving. I refused loosen my grip and my nails dug futilely into my opponents arm but his demon skin was like trying to pierce metal itself.
Hiei
I almost smiled as the last of the despicable thugs hit the ground. The almost smile vanished when I saw Kuwabara continuously stabbing the same demon in the gut screaming 'Die die die' even though the demon had been dead for minutes.
"Uh hey, did anyone happen to find the flute yet?" Yusuke asked.
I looked back at the girls and suddenly felt something wrong. Good, Yukina was there, Shizuru was standing over a battered demon who no doubt tried to jump them, and Keiko was checking Yusuke and Kurama for wounds but by the smile on her face I'm guessing their was none to be found. But where is...
"Yusuke, Botan went after the leader! I would have followed her but this guy," she kicked the demon at her feet," Had to get in the way!"
"Botan did WHAT!" I snapped. She can't use spirit energy; the fool's one good strength is that he's a bloodhound for spirit energy. "Shizuru why would Botan do something like that? She knows she can't fight," Kurama's eyes met mine for the double meaning.
"She thought he had the whistle! And you guys were too busy being bullies to the weaker demons to notice! So she went herself!" Shizuru growled annoyed, blaming Botan's departure on us.
The little fool! What did she think chasing him would accomplish?
"What direction did she take off in?" I asked calmly, too calmly.
"Well last I saw he she went that way...Hiei wait!" Keiko screamed after me, but it was too late, I was already gone.
Botan
"Come on sweetheart, just give me the flute and maybe I'll spare your life," the demon snickered, applying more pressure to my neck.
I was getting desperate. My vision was blurred and the edges were steadily turning black but I refused to give up the flute. Too many innocent lives could be lost if I let go...
I did the first thing I could think of, I bit his hand with all my power, still not using spirit energy. Surprisingly it went through, I could feel the blood on my teeth. The demon howled in pain and his grasp weakened immensely. I gratefully gulped in all the air I could swallow.
"Botan!" I looked to see Hiei emerge fro the forest. I smiled happily and waved. (Ok she almost dies then she waves in a matter of a minute, that's odd...but that's okay. She's special like that.)
"Perfect, her boyfriend comes to rescue the damsel in distress. You humans are too predictable," the leader hissed still holding his arm.
My world turned red and my spirit energy flared.
"He's not my boyfriend! And he's a demon you fat, ugly, monstrous, weak minded, stupid moron!" I screamed in his face. In my rage I broke free of his grasp easily with the use of my spirit energy and punched him twice in the chest, followed by a killer uppercut the jaw. The demon was too surprised by my outburst and overpowering energy to retaliate, not that he could even if he wanted to. His back hit a tree painfully, and probably would have screamed in agony if he were not already unconscious.
"And I don't need saving!" I howled, still seething mad.
"Do you think that was wise?" Hiei questioned coolly, but was that worry I saw in his eyes.
I jumped at his voice, and turned back at him wide-eyed. I had forgotten completely he was there! I glared at the pitiful excuse of a demon on the ground. At his words everything flew out of my head except to murder him.
I blushed and bowed my head. How could I have lost control like that? So the demon declared Hiei was my boyfriend. Was that truly such a big deal? Was it that I couldn't protect myself properly?
Yes, I decided. That was the reason, though in my heart I knew that reason one had played a part too. All my life until recently I was unable to defend myself and always had to rely on others. Sure, Hiei had saved me millions of times in the last couple of months during my training, especially in the beginning. I thought I was passed that now. I had begun to be able to take care of myself, without anyone else, and that had made me proud. Now Hiei saw me weak again, practically strangled by some low class demon! He couldn't even decipher humans from demons! What must Hiei think of me now after witnessing that? He probably thinks he couldn't have picked a worse apprentice. Well actually he didn't pick me I sorta forced my way in but he at least agreed, right?
Worse, I completely blew my cover. There was no way Kuwabara didn't sense my energy. But it just burst out; I couldn't hold it back any longer. Still, I was furious at my lack of control. I didn't suffer taking these wounds on my neck for no reason.
"Hey are you guys ok?" Shizuru shouted appearing from behind the trees, running at full speed.
"Oh, Botan your neck! That bas-oh you got the flute!" She said looking worriedly at me. I smiled despite myself. Shizuru was like the sister I never had. She always put everyone before herself when a friend was in trouble.
"Hey did you guys sense that burst of spirit energy?" Kuwabara asked behind Shizuru.
"Umm yeah, Hiei did it," I mentioned feeling everyone's eyes on me.
"It's a good thing I did too, she and the dope were having a foolish game of tug-o-war!" Hiei reinforced. I nodded thankfully.
"At least I got the flute!" I shouted.
"What would you have done if I hadn't come and burned him?" Hiei yelled back, trying to turn everyone's attention from the battle and to our argument.
"It doesn't look like he's been burned..." Yusuke muttered curiously to himself.
Ok, that's it. I have intentionally planned to insert the part of Botan and Hiei sharing a room in this chapter but it was already too long. I feel sorry for my editor. (Editor's note: She doesn't care how long it is.) There is almost 10,000 words in this chapter, take it as an apology for not updating in so long. I would really appreciate reviews, they keep me going, and it would let me know how you feel about my fic. I thank everyone who has returned to this fic, it's not dead, and I will never give up on it! Just to let you know I'm alive! Constructive criticisms are welcomed if you find the need.
Note- For some reason ff.net has center aligned my fanfic and also I can't use my normal signs for the bloopers and change of point of veiw. Sorry. If anyone knows how to fix this please tell me. Also don't expect all my chapters to be this long! My fingers feel like their going to fall off!
Everyone make sure to thank my editor, Sara!
Recommendations- I was pleasantly surprised to find how many fics have the main couple Hiei/Botan. When I started this fic there was like four, now there's like 50! Which makes me happy because that is the main reason I've started writing! I usually only recommend fics over 10,000 words, just for those of you who are wondering how I pick the fics. There are really a lot now so I'll give you a few now for not having updated in so long! These authors and authoress' are truly wonderful!
Grave of Fireflies by Sherkoni- This is one of the best stories I have ever read with Botan/Hiei. This is a sequel that is currently in progress so read All's Fair in Love and War first. Hiei leaves Botan after proclaiming his love for Botan and runs off to Demon world. Botan is determined to find him and starts training under Genkai, thinking that if she had been stronger Hiei wouldn't have left. Meanwhile Hiei has joined the Shinobi with Jin and Touya, and is injured after battling an A class demon. Yusuke finds him and he sees Botan again for the first time in a year...will their love be rekindled?
Assisting Hiei by Spiritt- Botan is switched from Yusuke to Hiei! With a weird new ability the enables her to read his mind! And Hiei hers! But they don't know...and Koenma isn't telling...
Last but not least-
The Darkness Within by Skitzo-phrenick Botan is crushed when she sees her crush, Koenma kissing another girl. She is overcome with grief and pain, and decides she doesn't want the problems emotions bring any longer. So whom does she know who acts like that all the time? I'll give you one guess. She asks Hiei to teach her to ignore her emotions and become dark like him, but changing her whole personality is much more difficult than she thought, but slowly she begins to forget Koenma, but someone new takes his place at the same time...
Bloopers!(normal pov)
"I am not wearing pink! I won't do it!" Shizuru screamed.
"Shizuru it's in the script! It's supposed to be truth or dare! The point is you're not supposed to like it!" the director said tiredly. Everyday something new popped up that he had to fix. It was taking its toll!
"No you are not going to dress me up like some friggin cheerleader wannabe!"
"I agree. Pink should be illegal," Hiei agreed.
"So you don't like my kimono?" Botan asked threateningly.
"I never said that woman," Hiei said quickly.
"All it is is pink! You jerk!" Botan shrieked, hitting Hiei with her oar.
"Nice move Hiei," Kurama smirked.
"Shut up and help me fox!" Hiei yelled grabbing the oar and breaking it and half.
"Kurama you are so mean! How dare you make fun of Botan's kimono! It's not her fault she has to wear it!" Shizuru growled and started throwing random things at him.
"Shiz! I never said anything of the sort!"
"Stop covering the facts!"
"What the?!" Hiei screamed running from Botan. "Who the hell gave her a hose?"
"Get back here! Mr.-fire-demon has a date with the hose!" Botan screamed merrily.
Botan and Shizuru were reading the script. Both gasp suddenly.
"Oh my god! They're going on a mission wearing boxers!" Shizuru giggled.
"Duh Shiz, that is the name of the chapter," Botan said.
"This is great potential blackmail," Shiz whispered.
"I'll get the camera!" Botan said excitedly.
"We are NOT sleeping in the same room!" Botan yelled.
"Why not?" Shizuru asked slyly.
"You seemed to be pretty comfortable with him on the last mission."
Botan blushed.
"That was totally different!" Hiei said desperately.
"What Hiei, aren't you going to hug her this time?" Kurama smirked.
"Outside fox! I'm going to beat you to a pulp!" Hiei said angrily. "Kurama now might be a good time to tell you I found the note," Botan said craftily.
"Craaaaaaaap."
"Are you sure you don't want to go on a date with me, Botan?" The gang leader asked. (I'm calling him Bob)
"WHAAAT?!" Our favorite fire demon yelled.
"Uhmm thanks for asking but I'm really too busy..." Botan responded.
"I don't care what the script says! He's dying now!"
"Hiei come back! He didn't mean it! He-oww that's going to hurt!"
"So I wonder what really happens when they blow the flute..." Kurama wondered.
"Let's try it," Shizuru suggested.
Botan blew into the flute softly, and yellow sunflowers with faces sprouted from the ground. They moved with the music from the flute smiling and giggling.
"Now that's odd...but hardly dangerous," Kurama mused.
"Are you kidding? That's the most terrifying plant I've ever seen," Hiei said frantically backing away from the plant.
"NO ONE IS ALLOWED TO SMILE LIKE THAT ESPECIALLY NOT A FLOWER!"
Sorry they weren't really funny this time. I ran out of ideas. (Sara laughed, though.)
Freesia